TRENTON, NJ – Amid the pandemic, New Jersey’s shut down of non-essential businesses resulted in over a million unemployment claims. Today, Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement will put some of the claimants back to work as non-essential construction resumes. Non-essential retail stores may also begin offering curbside pickup.

Murphy’s order becomes effective Monday, May 18th at 6 am and is intended as a step in reopening the state’s economy. In April, the state itself lost 60 percent in revenue.

“The data shows us that we are ready for this step,” said Murphy. “All of the important metrics we needed to see fall into place have been doing so.”

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Trends since the peak and over the last two weeks show that both new and total hospitalizations are down substantially. Additionally, the numbers of patients in ICUs and ventilators have reduced since the peak. Not only are there less reports of positive COVID--19 cases, the death rate has decreased by more than one third.

Patrons of retail stores will be able to order items online or by telephone. Pick up will be available curbside with rules designed to limit person-to-person contact. No one other than store employees will be permitted in the stores designated as non-essential. Customers are expected to wait in their vehicles for curbside delivery.

When non-essential construction resumes on Monday, businesses are expected to follow guidelines imposed by the executive order. This includes following social distancing protocol, which may be accomplished by staggering work hours and breaks.

Murphy also called upon contractors to ensure safety and sanitation procedures are in place. This includes requirements for face coverings and restrictions concerning non-essential visitors to worksites.

“Drive-thru and drive-in events will now be permissible under social distancing guidelines,” said the Jersey governor. “We are stating that gatherings of vehicles such as drive-in movies or religious services are not a violation of my order prohibiting mass gatherings with certain limitations.”

Murphy announced that he and Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli are also working on steps permitting hospitals to schedule elective surgeries.

“We are moving slowly and deliberately because any misstep risks further outbreaks,” Murphy stated. “When public health tells us it is safe to remove a restriction, we will remove it.”

Either tomorrow or Friday, Murphy will announce plans related to opening the beaches in time for Memorial Day. Guidelines related to municipal pools and private swim clubs will also be released at that time.

After yesterday’s announcement that the state planned to hire contact tracers, over 21,000 completed online documentation to express their interest. Contact tracers will follow up by phone or technology with everyone who tests positive for COVID-19. In cases involving children, they may need to meet in person.

Yesterday, eleven children were hospitalized due to an inflammatory syndrome that medical experts say resembles toxic shock or Kawasaki disease. Four of those children tested positive for COVID-19. Today, seven more children were diagnosed with the same mysterious condition. The children range in age from 3 to 18.

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — The first week of June has ended and many have concerns about the status of coronavirus cases in Ocean County. After all, things have opened up a bit and protests appear to make social distancing an issue. Before the untimely death of George Floyd shocked the nation, protesters had already gathered in Point Pleasant imploring Governor Murphy to further open the state.

Truth ...

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — The first week of June has ended and many have concerns about the status of ...

BARNEGAT, NJ - At yesterday’s Township Committee meeting, Barnegat official passed a resolution opposing A-4175, the “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act.” The legislation calls for the issuance of $5B in bonds to respond “to the fiscal exigencies caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The bill also authorizes Governor Phil Murphy to apply for loans from the federal government.

CAMDEN, NJ -- Steven Rodas, Editor of TAPinto Camden, spoke with Stephanie Willoughby about the recent protest held here in solidarity with George Floyd that has put the city in the national spotlight for both its peaceful nature and police participation.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Camden on Saturday, May 30, but what made this protest stand out from the thousands of other marches that ...

Gov. Phil Murphy outlined a series of guidelines Thursday for tens of thousands of bars and restaurants across the state to follow when they begin to welcome back diners at 6 a.m. on June 15.

When your favorite steakhouse or burger joint opens for outdoor dining next week, limited seating, spread out tables and hand sanitizing stations – not to mention the house specialty – will be on the ...

Gov. Phil Murphy outlined a series of guidelines Thursday for tens of thousands of bars and ...

BARNEGAT/WARETOWN, NJ - As a result of last night’s storm, 475 Barnegat residences or businesses remain without power supplied by Jersey Central Power & Light. In Ocean Township, 632 customers have also experienced power outages. Those looking for approximate reconnect times should log in to their accounts for further information.

“The majority of customers will be restored by late ...

BARNEGAT/WARETOWN, NJ - As a result of last night’s storm, 475 Barnegat residences or businesses ...

JERSEY CITY, NJ - Beginning what could become the second Gold Coast in Jersey City, Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), and the Department of Housing, Economic Development and Commerce (HEDC) announced an agreement for construction of the first phase of Bayfront, the largest mixed-income development site in the region.

The city acquired the 100-acre Bayfront ...

JERSEY CITY, NJ - Beginning what could become the second Gold Coast in Jersey City, Mayor Steven M.

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- Austin Holman is the coach of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School football team. He sent this letters to his players, coaches, parents and supporters. With Coach Holman's permission, TAPinto has reprinted his thoughtful and moving letter.

Dear Raider Family:

I write this to you as the leader of the football community in the district of Scotch Plains-Fanwood.

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ -- Austin Holman is the coach of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School ...

BARNEGAT, NJ – Throughout the country, protests of outrage began after the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minnesota. The world watched in horror as a policeman pressed down on Floyd’s neck even after he was robbed of his last breath. Sunday, members of the Barnegat community, clergy and the Barnegat Police Department will walk together bringing a message of solidarity.

Walter M. Brown, ...

BARNEGAT, NJ – Throughout the country, protests of outrage began after the death of George Floyd, a ...